Description:

Praziquantel Tablets USP 600mg is an anthelmintic medication used to treat parasitic worm infections, particularly schistosomiasis (bilharzia/snail fever caused by Schistosoma species) and certain liver fluke infections (clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis). It increases the permeability of worm cell membranes, causing severe spasms, paralysis, and death of the parasites, which are then eliminated from the body. It is effective against blood flukes and some intestinal/liver flukes, often used in single-day or short-course regimens for mass treatment or individual cases.

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx). Requires a doctor’s prescription (typically from an infectious disease specialist or general practitioner) with diagnosis confirmation (e.g., stool/urine microscopy for schistosomiasis). In Ghana and similar markets, it is regulated but often available through pharmacies for deworming programs.

Therapeutic Category:

Anthelmintic / Anti-schistosomal agent (pyrazinoisoquinoline derivative for trematode and cestode infections).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each tablet contains: Praziquantel USP 600 mg. Excipients: Standard tablet fillers (e.g., corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, hypromellose for film-coating; refer to label for full list).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: 600 mg film-coated tablets (standard single-tablet adult dose; often scored for division into halves/quarters; pack of 4 tablets common for single-day treatment, or larger packs for programs).

Consume Type:

Oral (tablet; swallow whole with water and food to reduce GI upset; bitter taste may cause gagging—take with meal).

Directions/Usage: Adults and children ≥4 years (dose based on body weight; standard for schistosomiasis):

• 40-60 mg/kg body weight as a single dose or divided into 2-3 doses (4-6 hours apart) in one day.
• Example: 60 kg adult: 2400-3600 mg total (4-6 tablets of 600 mg). Take with food to improve absorption and reduce nausea. Complete single-day treatment; for some flukes, repeat may be needed. Follow doctor/pharmacist instructions; not for routine use without diagnosis.

Common Side Effects:

• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
• Headache, dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue, malaise
• Itching/rash (urticaria)
• Fever Most mild and transient (often related to dying worms); serious rare: Allergic reactions, seizures, arrhythmias, bloody diarrhoea.

Package Type:

Blister packs (often 4 tablets per pack or 5x2x4 tabs; scored oblong tablets coded.

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25-30°C), in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Take with food to reduce GI upset and improve absorption.
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity, ocular cysticercosis (risk of inflammation), or severe hepatic impairment.
• Caution in pregnancy (Category B; use if benefits outweigh risks), breastfeeding (limited data), or children under 4 years (dose adjustment).
• Monitor for allergic reactions or neuro symptoms (e.g., seizures in cerebral cysticercosis).
• Not for viral/parasitic misdiagnosis—confirm infection.
• Interactions minimal; caution with cimetidine (increased levels).
• Report severe abdominal pain, fever, or neurological symptoms promptly.

Product Substitutes: Other praziquantel 600mg tablets in Ghana: Biltricide (original), generics (e.g., from Macleods, Endo, or local importers). Alternatives: Albendazole (for some worms), niclosamide (tapeworms), or praziquantel combinations—consult doctor/pharmacist per infection (e.g., Ghana NTD programme uses praziquantel for schistosomiasis).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Johnlee Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.

Country of Origin:

India.